QTL mapping of egg albumen quality in egg layers

BACKGROUND: A fresh, good quality egg has a firm and gelatinous albumen that anchors the yolk and restricts growth of microbiological pathogens. As the egg ages, the gel-like structure collapses, resulting in thin and runny albumen. Occasionally thin albumen is found in a fresh egg, giving the impression of a low quality product. A mapping population consisting of 1599 F(2) hens from a cross between White Rock and Rhode Island Red lines was set up, to identify loci controlling albumen quality. The phenotype for albumen quality was evaluated by albumen height and in Haugh units (HU) measured on three consecutive eggs from each F(2) hen at the age of 40 weeks. For the fine-mapping analysis, albumen height and HU were used simultaneously to eliminate contribution of the egg size to the phenotype. RESULTS: Linkage analysis in a small population of seven half-sib families (668 F(2)) with 162 microsatellite markers spread across 27 chromosomes revealed two genome-wide significant regions with additive effects for HU on chromosomes 7 and Z. In addition, two putative genome-wide quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions were identified on chromosomes 4 and 26. The QTL effects ranged from 2 to 4% of the phenotypic variance. The genome-wide significant QTL regions on chromosomes 7 and Z were selected for fine-mapping in the full set composed of 16 half-sib families. In addition, their existence was confirmed by an association analysis in an independent commercial Hy-Line pure line. CONCLUSIONS: We identified four chicken genomic regions that affect albumen quality. Our results also suggest that genes that affect albumen quality act both directly and indirectly through several different mechanisms. For instance, the QTL regions on both fine-mapped chromosomes 7 and Z overlapped with a previously reported QTL for eggshell quality, indicating that eggshell membranes may play a role in albumen quality

Análisis y mejoramiento del proceso de producción de quesito en la empresa Colanta

En la actualidad, en la planta de producción de alimentos en el municipio de Entrerrios (Departamento de Antioquia), se presentan reclamos por parte de los clientes con respecto al peso real del quesito en una de sus líneas comerciales, en las referencias de 220g y 400g. Dichos reclamos, se centran en que el peso real de los productos, se encuentran por debajo de las especificaciones. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, se propone realizar la estandarización del proceso de producción de las dos referencias del producto, como una forma de garantizar que el producto cumpla con las especificaciones en cuanto a calidad y cantidad. El proceso de estandarización incluirá entre sus actividades relacionadas con proceso la revisión y ajuste del proceso, selección de muestras para el control del peso en cada una de las etapas del proceso de producción como, por ejemplo: amasado, empaque y despacho. Esto, con el objetivo de analizar las pérdidas de peso del material, en cada etapa del proceso y estandarizar el flujo de materiales desde las entradas hasta el producto final. Como resultados, se espera obtener una propuesta de estandarización del proceso de producción de las dos referencias de la marca de quesito, con sus respectivos estándares de calidad y porcentajes de aprovechamientos y pérdidas a través del proceso.At present, in the food production plant in the municipality of Entrerrios (Department of Antioquia), claims are filed by customers regarding the actual weight of the cheese in one of its commercial lines, in the references of 220g and 400g. These claims focus on the fact that the actual weight of the products is below the specifications. Taking into account the above, it is proposed to standardize the production process of the two product references, as a way to guarantee that the product meets the specifications in terms of quality and quantity. The standardization process will include among its process-related activities the review and adjustment of the process, selection of samples for weight control in each of the stages of the production process, such as: kneading, packaging and dispatch. This, in order to analyze the weight losses of the material, at each stage of the process and standardize the flow of materials from the inputs to the final product. As a result, it is expected to obtain a standardization proposal for the production process of the two references of the cheese brand, with their respective quality standards and percentages of utilization and losses throughout the process

Evaluation of Egg Production in Layers Using Random Regression Models

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for egg production over the age trajectory in three commercial layer breeding lines, which represent different biotypes for egg production, and to validate the use of breeding values for slope as a measure of persistency to be used in the selection program. Egg production data of over 26,000 layers per line from six consecutive generations were analyzed. Daily records were cumulated into biweekly periods. Data were analyzed with a random regression model with linear polynomials on period for random additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. In all lines, a nonzero genetic variance for mean and slope and a positive genetic correlation between mean and slope were estimated. Breeding values for slope well reflected the shape of the egg production curve and can be used to select for persistency of egg production. The model proposed in this study appealing for implementation in large and multiple populations under commercial conditions by breeding companies or other breeding organizations

Egg Shell Quality Assessment–Do We Need Multiple Records?

The objective of this study was to estimate repeatability within and between ages for dynamic stiffnessin two lines of layer chickens in order to verify if multiple records are necessary to adequately describe a bird’s genetic merit for egg shell quality.Repeatability was low across ages to moderate within age,which suggests that for accurate evaluation eggs should be collected at different stages of laying cycle,with additional benefit from analyzing more than one egg within age

Exploring Imageability through Architecture to Study Neuroscience: Preliminary Results of a Systemic Review

Background: Neuroscience and architecture are often combined to study the impact of environment, physical spaces, colors, shapes, and buildings on brain activity and health. This is an emerging field with distinct areas examining architecture in relation to neuroscience. Among the numerous elements of architecture, imageability seems to be of particular interest. Imageability refers to the quality of a physical space that evokes strong images in people’s mind, and influence cognitive functions including visual, memory, and spatial recall. It is hypothesized that environments, spaces, and buildings with poor imageability might negatively affect cognition, behavior, and brain health. Diverse studies have been conducted to test such a hypothesis however, there is a lack of compiled evidence that highlights how imageability and neurosciences are connected. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review to explore the current understanding of imageability from an architectural perspective in the study of neuroscience with focused on its implications for cognitive health and well-being. Methods: This review conducted a comprehensive search across four electronic databases: EBSCO, OVID, PubMed, and Web of Science. Our search term included “Imageability” as the main key word combined (AND) with architecture, environment, built environment, neuroarchitecture, aphantasia, urban design, memorability, visual recall, mental visualization, architectural features, façade, wayfinding, familiarity, familiarity, architecture, familiarity, environment, and vividness. Eligibility criteria included peer-reviewed articles in English that focused on the relationship between imageability, health, and architecture. The synthesis of results was conducted following PRISMA\u27s four-phase flow diagram. Results: The initial search showed 5269 articles, which were screened to exclude duplicates (n=1763). Subsequently, we conducted a thorough review of the remaining 3506 articles and we excluded (n=3393) articles that were not related to the research, non-original research (n=24), systematic review (n=5), not enough data (n=3), non-related articles, and for various other reasons (n=13). The selected studies (n=61) highlighted the impact of architecture on cognitive, the role of urban design in mental health, and the application of brain imaging methods to assess the influence of built environments. Imageability involves and contributes to various cognitive processes such as memory, perception, sensation, and language depending on the type of stimuli used. Imagery was shown to activate the visual cortex and showed great activity in the anterior areas of the brain such as the insula, medial frontal cortex, and left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. Discussion: This review highlights the potential of integrating neuroscience into architectural design, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to enhance cognitive and brain health. Spaces with high imageability, characterized by distinctive, memorable features, can significantly influence cognitive processes, such as memory and spatial navigation. We found limited manuscripts about imageability in elderly people and this is a gap that warrants attention because of the alarming rates of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease-related disorders in elderly populations. The findings suggest that a more profound understanding of imageability within neuroarchitecture can lead to innovative design strategies that support mental and physical well-being

Estado del Arte: La conciencia fonológica para desarrollar la lectoescritura en la segunda infancia.

El presente Estado del Arte está referido al tema de la conciencia fonológica para desarrollar la lectoescritura en la segunda infancia en los países de Perú y Ecuador. El objetivo general ha sido presentar hallazgos investigativos sobre la influencia de la conciencia fonológica en la adquisición de la lectoescritura en niños de la segunda infancia en los países de Perú y Ecuador dentro de los últimos seis años, relacionadas al objeto de estudio. La metodología conllevó la selección del tema con límites espaciotemporales a partir de los cuales se delimitó las fuentes de búsqueda más apropiadas. Los resultados de la búsqueda identificaron 20 estudios y los resultados de los análisis se organizaron en una bitácora. Los hallazgos se presentaron por aspectos: objetivos, teóricos citados, aspectos metodológicos, estrategias y conclusiones. Es significativo que tanto en Perú como en Ecuador se encontraron 10 trabajos de investigación. Afirman los investigadores que una buena lectoescritura depende del desarrollo de la conciencia fonológica

Conciencia fonológica y lectoescritura en estudiantes del segundo grado de educación primaria de la Institución Educativa 41041 “Cristo Rey”, Camaná 2024

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo general determinar el grado de relación que existe entre la conciencia fonológica y la lectoescritura en estudiantes del segundo grado de educación primaria. La investigación ejecutada es de tipo descriptivo correlacional con un enfoque cuantitativo de diseño no experimental, transversal y correlacional. Para ello se contó con una población de 140 estudiantes y se consideró una muestra de 104 estudiantes que cursan el segundo grado de primaria en las secciones A, B, C, D y E, con un muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple. La técnica considerada para la primera variable fue un test Psicométrico y el instrumento consistió en la Prueba de Evaluación de Conciencia Fonológica (PECFO), en el caso de la segunda variable, se puso en práctica la técnica de observación y el instrumento fue una lista de cotejo de la lectoescritura. El trabajo concluye en que existe una relación positiva y significativa entre la conciencia fonológica y la lectoescritura de los estudiantes de segundo grado, con un coeficiente de correlación de Spearman de 0.730 y un nivel de significancia (Sig.) de 0.000. Este resultado, clasificado como una correlación positiva alta, permite aceptar la hipótesis planteada, confirmando que la conciencia fonológica se relaciona con la lectoescritura en estos estudiantes

Impacts of imageability of architecture on brain health: A systematic literature review

Imageability is a component of urban design and planning that has been recognized for its potential to enhance people’s perceptual and emotional engagement with their environment. Nevertheless, evidence supporting specific strategies and its impacts on brain health is still unclear. This systematic review aimed to characterize and summarize the evidence on the importance of imageability of architecture for brain cognitive and psychological health. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Our keywords included imageability and architecture, environment, built environment, neuroarchitecture, aphantasia, urban design, memorability, visual recall, mental visualization, architectural features, façade, wayfinding, familiarity, vividness, cognition, expectations, green walls, biophilia, aesthetics, emotions, embodied cognition and embodiment. We searched electronic databases for studies showing the relationship among imageability, architecture, and neuroscience. From the 5,270 identified articles, we included 56 original peer-reviewed articles. The findings suggest that environments with high imageability are correlated with better cognitive and psychological health, high emotional engagement, and enhanced social connectivity. In conclusion, studies have also highlighted that high-imageability environments enhance livability, promote wayfinding, and support physical activity. However, some gaps were identified, including the need for standardized methods to assess imageability and its impact on brain health by examining brain structures and functions with imaging studies. Imageability seems to play an important role in creating environments that promote cognitive and psychological health, physical activity and foster a sense of community belonging. Future research should focus on developing objective, replicable methods for evaluating imageability and exploring the neural paths that underlie its effects